An intoxicated motorist was arrested Friday evening after crashing his vehicle into the back of a Sheriff's Office cruiser.

On Friday, March 23, 2018 at approximately 9:56 PM a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office deputy notified central dispatch that his cruiser had been struck at W. Lloyd Expressway (State Road 62) and Schutte Road. The deputy had been facing west on SR 62 waiting for the green turn arrow to travel south onto Schutte Road when he was struck from behind by a black 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan.

The driver of the Chrysler identified himself as Mr. Eric Ramirez Avila. Mr. Avila indicated that he had not been paying attention prior to the crash. When asked to exit the vehicle, Mr. Avila staggered as he walked and leaned against his vehicle for balance. He admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages before driving and was asked to submit to standardized field sobriety testing. Mr. Avila declined to participate in any testing and indicated that he would fail.

Mr. Avila was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated and transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail. Mr. Avila was released on bond the next day and is due in court for an initial appearance on Monday, March 26, 2018.

ARRESTED:

Eric Ramirez Avila (pictured above), 23, of Washington, IN. Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated as a Class A Misdemeanor with Test Refusal, Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated as a Class C Misdemeanor

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.